America’s Work Force Union Podcast
1,068 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsAmerica’s Work Force Union Podcast provides a clear and unfiltered voice for the working people of America. Radio veteran Ed “Flash” Ferenc leads the discussion with a focus on topics that include the impact of labor unions in America, workers’ rights, legislative actions and labor-management relations. Featured guests include various labor leaders, politicians, journalists and more. America’s Work Force Union Podcast provides updates and information from sources around the United States and continues to be the trusted voice for workers across the country.
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Episodes
Kojak Valentine (Communications Workers of America) / Greg Regan (Transportation Trades Department)
July 26, 2021 21:04 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBCommunications Workers of America’s Local 4008 Unit Vice President-IEFS Kojak Valentine joined the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the efforts to provide accessible and affordable broadband for everyone in the U.S. and it will benefit U.S. business and improve student education. Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about the fight for funding mass transit, prioritizing funding, investment in traditional infrastructure, vaccin...
Fred Redmond (United Steelworkers) / John Russo (Working Class Perspectives)
July 23, 2021 20:10 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBToday on the AWF Union Podcast, United Steelworkers Vice President of Human Affairs Fred Redmond spoke about the Voting Rights Act, the constant attacks on voting laws and the right to vote, and recent voter suppression laws introduced by Republicans to make voting more difficult. Working Class Perspectives Contributor John Russo was also featured today on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about artificial intelligence taking over the workforce and effectively reducing available jobs, the scr...
Paul Capurso (New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters) / Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO)
July 22, 2021 19:58 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBAFL-CIO Government Affairs Director Bill Samuel was one of the featured guest speakers on today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He spoke about the benefits of the American Jobs Plan, what needs to be done to pass the PRO Act and the Warrior Met coal miners strike. New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters President Paul Capurso also joined today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He discussed how the NYCDCC is educating carpenters on running for office ...
Joe Ciacchi (OPCMIA) / MJ Burke (AFGE National VA Council Local 53)
July 21, 2021 20:40 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBToday on the AWF Union Podcast, AFGE National Veterans Affairs Council 53 First Executive Vice President MJ Burke spoke about the new emergency temporary standards for VA workers, the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Modernization Act and collective bargaining agreement updates. Also featured on the podcast today was OPCMIA International Representative Joe Ciacchi. He joined the podcast to discuss apprenticeship programs, the quality of work done by union labor, how the pandemic affe...
Laura Wagner (MO-KAN LECET) / Melissa Cropper (OFT-AFT)
July 20, 2021 20:29 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBOhio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss the attempt by Worthington Public Library workers to organize for a stronger voice in the workplace. She also spoke about Ohio educators celebrating the Fair School Funding Plan, which was included in the state's budget. Missouri-Kansas Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust Executive Director Laura Wagner was also featured on today’s episode. She talked with host Ed “Flash” Feren...
Billy Dycus (Tennessee AFL-CIO) / Nikki Kateman (RWDSU/UFCW Local 338)
July 19, 2021 20:58 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBTennessee AFL-CIO President Billy Dycus was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. Dycus spoke about the current labor climate in Tennessee, issues with hiring contractors who use day laborers for projects and explaining the true, unfortunate meaning of So-Called “Right to Work.” Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union/United Food and Commercial Workers Local 338 Political and Communications Director Nikki Kateman also joined the podcast. She explained ho...
Billy Dycus (Tennessee AFL-CIO) / Rikki Kateman (RWDSU/UFCW Local 338)
July 19, 2021 20:58 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBTennessee AFL-CIO President Billy Dycus was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. Dycus spoke about the current labor climate in Tennessee, issues with hiring contractors who use day laborers for projects and explaining the true, unfortunate meaning of So-Called “Right to Work.” Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union/United Food and Commercial Workers Local 338 Political and Communications Director Nikki Kateman also joined the podcast. She explained ho...
Megan Kimble (The Texas Observer) / Pat Gallagher (North Coast Area Labor Federation)
July 15, 2021 19:56 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBToday on the AWF Union Podcast, The Texas Observer Executive Editor Megan Kimble spoke about her new article “The End of the Highway.” Her article covers congested freeways in Texas, lack of public transportation in rural areas and how Texans have to fight for funding for these projects because it is excluded from the state budget. North Coast Area Labor Federation President Pat Gallagher was also featured on the podcast. He provided updates on the ATI workers in Ohio ratifying a contract ...
Wayne Creasap (Iron Workers) / Desiree Hoffmann (UAW)
July 14, 2021 20:58 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBInternational Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers District Representative of Safety and Health Wayne Creasap was featured on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He explained how Ironworkers go through extensive training in their apprenticeship, which helps them perform their job efficiently and safely. Creasap also spoke about industry safety recommendations, compliance assistance, awareness of the safety standards and enforcement of them to keep ...
Wayne Creasap (Ironworkers) / Desiree Hoffmann (UAW)
July 14, 2021 20:58 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBInternational Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers District Representative of Safety and Health Wayne Creasap was featured on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He explained how Ironworkers go through extensive training in their apprenticeship, which helps them perform their job efficiently and safely. Creasap also spoke about industry safety recommendations, compliance assistance, awareness of the safety standards and enforcement of them to keep ...
Frank Mathews (Communications Workers of America District 4) / Tom Germuska Jr. (The Labor Citizen)
July 13, 2021 19:55 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBCommunications Workers of America District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews discussed the need for modern infrastructure, such as expanded broadband on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He explained why infrastructure is just as important as roads and bridges, and why people need access to important technology to participate in today’s society. The Labor Citizen Editor Tom Germuska Jr. later joined host Ed “Flash” Ferenc to preview the July edition of the pub...
Anthony Liberatore Jr. (Laborers Local 860) / Mike Knisley (Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council)
July 12, 2021 20:04 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBLaborers International Union of North America Local 860 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Tony Liberatore, Jr. joined the AWF Union Podcast today to explain the influx of work their Local will see with a new infrastructure bill. He also discussed ongoing issues at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center. The county is no longer recognizing the union and Liberatore explains how they are fighting the decision. Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Mi...
Amanda Jaret (UFCW) / Randy Korgan (Teamsters 1932)
July 09, 2021 20:11 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBPresident Joe Biden has the chance to change the makeup of the National Labor Relations Board, as the terms of two President Donald Trump nominees end in August. United Food and Commercial Workers Assistant General Counsel Amanda Jaret provided some background on the Biden nominees and more on today’s episode of AWF Union Podcast. Teamsters Local 1932 Secretary-Treasurer/Principal Officer Randy Korgan also joined the show to advocate for union organizing in the warehouse and trucking indust...
Rick Lord (UA Local 68) / Andrew Spar (Florida Education Association)
July 08, 2021 20:10 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBHouston area plumbing apprentices are now being trained at a newly expanded training center that is capable of accommodating 600 apprentices. United Association Local 68 Business Agent Rick Lord joined AWF to discuss the training center expansion and the workload in their jurisdiction. Public school educators have come under frequent attack since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar discussed these attacks and more on today’s episode of...
Dan Duncan (Maritime Trades Department) / Beth Kontos (Massachusetts AFT)
July 07, 2021 19:02 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBMaritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dan Duncan was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the Jones Act and how it was incorporated into President Biden’s “Made in America” executive order. He also discussed supporting miners at Warrior Met Coal and fundraising for leukemia and lymphoma. Massachusetts American Federation of Teachers President Beth Kontos also joined today’s show. She spoke with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about her past a...
William Phillis (Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding) / Tim Burga (Ohio AFL-CIO)
July 06, 2021 20:26 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBThe Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding Executive Director William Phillis joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss the inequities and the inadequacies of Ohio school funding that he has seen first hand in his 60 years in education. Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga was also featured on the podcast today. He spoke about multiple pieces of legislation brought forth in the Ohio House of Representatives. Burga discussed legislation regarding the Ohio budget, Fair Schoo...
Scott Paul (Alliance for American Manufacturing) / Steve Rosenfeld (Independent Media Institute)
July 05, 2021 13:15 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBAlliance for American Manufacturing Executive Director Scott Paul was the first featured guest on today’s episode of AWF Union Podcast. He spoke with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., how the pandemic exposed major issues in our supply chain management, manufacturing vaccines onshore and future infrastructure investments. Also featured on today’s show was Independent Media Institute writer Steve Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld discussed voting legislation that appea...
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown / Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council) / Sue McConnell (Cleveland Better Business Bureau)
July 02, 2021 20:49 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBAn infrastructure plan has been a landmark promise of the Biden administration. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown has also pushed heavily for a quality infrastructure bill. Sen. Brown joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss a bipartisan infrastructure plan, how to pay for it and more. Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Treasurer Dorsey Hager also joined the show. He addressed the condominium collapse in Florida as an example of the importance of keeping...
Tara Shiman (Worthington Public Libraries United) / Joseph Stottner (Kelley & Ferraro)
July 01, 2021 18:57 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBUnions are gaining the attention of a more diverse workforce following the COVID-19 pandemic. Worthington Public Libraries United Organizer Tara Shiman discussed why this central Ohio library staff decided to organize, the response from the library board, the support they have received and more. Preparing a will to ensure that your estate, possessions, and money go to your spouse and family is an essential process for any person. Kelley & Ferraro Associate Attorney Joseph Stottner also join...
Eric St. Pierre (Humana) / Steve Smith (California AFL-CIO)
June 30, 2021 20:57 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBMedicare is a complex topic that adds to the stress of retiring. Humana Associate Vice President of Group Medicare Eric St. Pierre joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast today to discuss Medicare and how Humana prepares easy to understand Medicare packages for their clients. Later in the show, California Labor Federation Communications Director Steve Smith informed listeners about the upcoming attempt to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsome and COVID-19 workplace guidelines in the st...
Ken Rapoza (Coalition for a Prosperous America) / Andrew Tinkham (Ohio Consumers’ Counsel)
June 29, 2021 19:36 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBIn recent decades, the Chinese government has stretched its influence through manufacturing, cheap labor and a large consumer base. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Coalition for a Prosperous America Industry Analyst Ken Rapoza discussed the aspects of Chinese influence in the U.S. The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Senior Outreach and Educational Specialist Andrew Tinkham returned to the show and shed light on consumers’ being overcharged by utility companies. He also...
Greg McHale (Union Strong App) / John Samuelsen (Transport Workers Union)
June 28, 2021 20:58 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBUnion Strong App Founder Greg McHale was the first featured guest on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He described how the Union Strong App came to be, how the New York State AFL-CIO uses the app and the benefit of having a private network deliver vital information to union members. Also featured on today’s episode was Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen. He discussed the dangers of rushing the process of implementing driverless cars, other autonomous...
Tom Conway (USW) / Leo Jennings (Working Class Perspectives)
June 25, 2021 19:43 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBWorkers in western Pennsylvania are on strike due to a breakdown in contract negotiations and they are not backing down. United Steelworkers International President Tom Conway discussed the strike on the AWF Union Podcast. He also shared his views on current infrastructure talks and where they may and should lead. Leo Jennings of Working Class Perspectives also joined today’s episode. He discussed the need for a working class bill of rights and what should be included in it. Some components...
Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Tyler Noland (PenTrust Real Estate Advisory Services)
June 24, 2021 20:38 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBAs Senate Democrats search for ways to advance the Biden agenda, Senate Republicans have stood in the way. AFL-CIO Director of Governmental Affairs Bill Samuel discussed how Democrats can achieve key campaign goals and work around the Republican minority. PenTrust Real Estate Advisory Services Chief Operating Officer Tyler Noland also joined today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He discussed the ERECT fund that invests union pension funds into all union construction projects. He also...
Pete Ielmini (Mechanical Insulators LMCT) / Rodney Graham (Carpenters Local 74)
June 23, 2021 20:25 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBMechanical Insulators LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about a new mechanical insulation evaluation course, how the LMCT promotes the industry, how insulation works and promoted the industry’s registered apprenticeship program. Also featured on today’s episode was Carpenters Local 74 Business Representative Rodney Graham. He discussed his Local, diversity within the trade, work in their Tennessee jurisdiction and ...
Katie Barrows (Department of Professional Employees AFL-CIO) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent labor voice)
June 22, 2021 19:59 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBDepartment of Professional Employees Communications Director Katie Barrows was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She discussed what their department within the AFL-CIO does, who they represent and why more professional employees should organize. Also featured on today’s episode was the AWF Union Podcast’s independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger. He spoke about a union election in so-called “Right to Work” Tennessee, transportation infrastructure legislation and t...
Lyn Montgomery (TWU Local 556) / Brigid Kelly (UFCW Local 700)
June 21, 2021 20:28 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBTransit Workers Union Local 556 President Lyn Montgomery was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. She discussed the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the airline industry, passenger misconduct, protecting passengers and flight staff and relaxing COVID-19 guidelines. Today’s episode also featured United Food and Commercial Workers Local 700 Communications Director Brigid Kelly. She spoke about the unpredictability of work during th...
Mindy Isser (The Nation) / Davida Russell (NCALF)
June 17, 2021 19:48 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBWomen stand to gain a lot from the passage of the PRO ACT. The Nation Contributor Mindy Isser discussed how all workers, but especially women, will benefit from the PRO Act, how temp agency workers are exploited by some companies, the effect COVID-19 has had on union organizing and more. North Coast Area Labor Federation Secretary Treasurer Davida Russell also joined today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. Russell discussed working on the Biden-Harris transition team, the upcoming Ohio Se...
Andrew Peterson (AFGE Local 1969) / Amanda Jaret (UFCW)
June 16, 2021 19:37 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBWhat are U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs law enforcement officers doing to boost their standing within the administration? Hear from American Federation of Government Employees Local 1969 President Andrew Peterson on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He also discussed what is being done to fix other issues faced by the officers. United Food and Commercial Workers Union Assistant General Counsel Amanda Jaret also joined today’s show. In addition to speaking about ...
Tim Coleman (UA Local 669 JATC) / Melissa Cropper (OFT-AFT)
June 15, 2021 15:50 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBUA Local 669 JATC Recruitment and Outreach Specialist Tim Coleman discussed the UA Local 669 apprenticeship program, how the COVID-19 pandemic affected apprenticeship and how a career in the trades is a viable path to the middle class. Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper was also featured on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about the Ohio Supreme Court ruling finding Ohio school funding unconstitutional, broadband issues throughout the pandemic and Crit...
Josh Nassar (United Auto Workers) / Wendy Patton (Policy Matters Ohio)
June 10, 2021 16:03 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBUnited Auto Workers Legislative Director Josh Nassar was one of the guests on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the Build Back Better mantra and the American Jobs Plan, bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., changes to the NLRB and the For The People Act. Policy Matters Ohio Senior Project Director Wendy Patton was also featured on today’s episode. She spoke about issues with school funding in Ohio, the major impact that school vouchers have on public schools, quali...
Jenny Deam (ProPublica) / Jennifer Tague (South Carolina AFL-CIO)
June 09, 2021 16:06 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBProPublica Reporter Jenny Deam was a guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about health insurance plans, how pre-existing conditions affect healthcare plans and how health insurance companies hide dangerous provisions. South Carolina AFL-CIO Field Director Jennifer Tague was also featured on today’s show. She spoke about the anti-union politicians of South Carolina, the importance of passing the PRO Act and establishing living wage benchmarks in the state.
Frank Mathews (CWA District 4) / Mike Muzic (IBEW Local 38)
June 08, 2021 16:08 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBThe first guest on today's episode of the AWF Union Podcast was CWA District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews. He spoke about legislation fighting for worker power, public and private employee strikes and improving broadband infrastructure to close the digital divide across the U.S. IBEW Local 38 President Mike Muzic later joined the show to give an update on the state of apprenticeship and the Local 38 jurisdiction. He explained the importance of the classroom setting and how their ...
Fred Albert (AFT-WV) / Kevin Pranis (LiUNA MN & ND)
June 07, 2021 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBToday on the AWF Union Podcast, AFT-West Virginia President Fred Albert spoke about funding for public schools, Reconnecting McDowell and challenges that still exist for our teachers, school support staff, students and their families. Also featured on today’s episode was LiUNA Minnesota and North Dakota Campaign Director Kevin Pranis. He discussed Marathon refineries and the quality of training needed to safely work at the refineries.
Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council) / Demos Demopoulos (Teamsters Local 553)
June 04, 2021 16:10 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBToday on the AWF Union Podcast, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager joined the show to discuss construction in Columbus, the American Jobs Plan, infrastructure improvements and the Driving Futures and Building Futures Programs. Teamsters Local 553 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer Demos Demopoulos was also featured on the AWF Union Podcast today. He discussed the strike at United Metro Energy, unfair labor practic...
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown / Brian Kelley (Kelley & Ferraro)
June 03, 2021 15:48 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBSenator Sherrod Brown joined the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about infrastructure, what all is included under the term “infrastructure” and the For the People Act. He also discussed a recent Senate hearing where he was able to question big bank CEO’s. Also featured on today’s episode was Kelley & Ferraro Associate Brian Kelley. He discussed the ongoing Zantac case, multidistrict litigation cases and Roundup weed killer causing illness.
Dave Megenhardt (United Labor Agency)
June 02, 2021 15:35 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBUnited Labor Agency Executive Director Dave Megenhardt was the featured guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about states removing unemployment benefits set in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting people to good jobs and helping them learn the skills they need to make themselves more valuable to employers.
Tim Burga (Ohio AFL-CIO) / Trent Williams (TEAM Corporation)
June 01, 2021 15:35 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBOhio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the show. He spoke about the Great Lakes District Council, President Biden’s visit to Cleveland, Ohio to promote the American Jobs Plan and why the filibuster needs to come to an end. Also featured on today’s show was TEAM Corporation Executive Director Trent Williams. He discussed mental health in the construction industry, how the organization helps with critical incident responses and ending the stigma ar...
Will Attig (Union Veterans Council) / Mike Hazard (UA VIP)
May 31, 2021 22:52 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBOn today’s special Memorial Day edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig was our first featured guest. He spoke about his calling to serve our country, battles that veterans face when they come home, the war against suicide and drug abuse, President Biden’s infrastructure plan and how the PRO Act will provide workers the opportunity to join unions. United Association Veterans in Piping Program Administrator Mike Hazard was also ...
Kim Miller (United Steelworkers) / Wade Rathke (Working Class Perspectives)
May 28, 2021 18:29 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBUnited Steelworkers Assistant to President Conway, Kim Miller joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss the USW Rapid Response Program, getting members politically engaged and the USW’s view on the future of infrastructure. Working Class Perspectives Contributor Wade Rathke was also featured on the podcast today. He spoke about Amazon union organizing efforts, Amazon’s intimidation tactics against the workers wanting to organize and passing the PRO Act.
Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Jimmy Hart (Metal Trades Department)
May 27, 2021 15:58 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBAFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Bill Samuel was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the ongoing coal miners strike in Alabama, President Biden’s performance thus far and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The Metal Trades Department of the AFL-CIO President Jimmy Hart was also featured on today’s episode. He explained to host Ed “Flash” Ferenc what the Metal Trades Department is all about, who they work on behalf of, the work that they do and how...
Gina Walsh (Mechanical Insulators LMCT) / Dean Benson (Teamsters Local 120)
May 26, 2021 15:49 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBToday on the AWF Union Podcast, Mechanical Insulators LMCT Deputy Director Gina Walsh spoke about her background as a mechanical insulator and politician. She later discussed Climate Jobs Illinois, who belongs to the group, how the group benefits working people and the objective of the group surrounding jobs and climate solutions. International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 120 Chief Union Steward Dean Benson was also featured on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about refinery workers on st...
Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Voice) / Amy Hanauer (Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy)
May 25, 2021 15:16 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBAmerica’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Independent Labor Voice Tom Buffenbarger was the first guest on today’s episode. He discussed the various proposals made by President Biden, tension between politicians, South Carolina school districts having their education fund destroyed and how the pandemic influenced taxes, unemployment benefits and the fight for better wages. Also featured on today’s episode was Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy Executive Director Amy Hanauer. She spoke abou...
Joseph Kane (Brookings Institution) / Greg Regan (Transportation Trades Department)
May 24, 2021 17:04 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBThe Brookings Institution Senior Research Associate Joseph Kane was our first featured guest on today’s show. He spoke about what is classified as infrastructure, long term investments into infrastructure, career pathways in infrastructure and how the skills in these jobs are transferable. Also featured on the AWF Union Podcast was Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan. He spoke about infrastructure improvement needs across the country, driverless vehicles, the safety framew...
John Nichols (The Nation) / Justin Donley (United Steelworkers Local 912)
May 20, 2021 15:37 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBThe Nation National Affairs Correspondent John Nichols was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about having more representation for each state by expanding the House of Representatives, voter suppression and countering it and ending the overly abused filibuster rule. Also featured on today's episode was United Steelworkers Local 912 President Justin Donley. He discussed the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline and how shutting it down will impact USW Local 912. He also exp...
Paul Puente (Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council) / Arnold Scott (AFGE District 6)
May 19, 2021 16:07 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBToday on the AWF Union Podcast, Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Paul Puente discussed the great work their affiliated building trades union members have done over the years, union climate in a so-called “Right to Work” state and apprenticeship programs. AFGE District 6 National Vice President Arnold Scott was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about the AFGE NOW organizing initiative, which encourages rank and file members to work on o...
Randi Weingarten (American Federation of Teachers) / Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers)
May 18, 2021 18:44 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBAmerican Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. Weingarten spoke about the need to get students back to school. The complex issue involves a combination of vaccination, safety protocols and helping families feel comfortable. Also featured on today’s episode was Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper. She spoke about Critical Race Theory and what critics are saying about it, how Critical Race Theory has be...
Tony Reardon (NTEU) / Christine Wen (Good Jobs First)
May 17, 2021 19:02 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBNational Treasury Employees Union President Tony Reardon was the first featured guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about union organizing during the pandemic, the level of difficulty the IRS faced when it came to telework and increasing the IRS budget. The second featured guest on today’s show was Good Jobs First Project Coordinator Christine Wen. She discussed how school districts pay for corporate tax breaks, tax exemption programs and tax abatements.
Senator Sherrod Brown / MaryBe Mcmillan (NC State AFL-CIO) / Amanda Jaret (UFCW)
May 14, 2021 17:32 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBThere were three featured guests today on the AWF Union Podcast. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown was the first guest. He discussed an effort to expand manufacturing hubs. He also stressed the need to implement legislation that would cease the outsourcing of American jobs in the name of cost cutting. North Carolina State AFL-CIO President MaryBe McMillan was our next featured guest. She spoke about women in labor and diversifying the workforce, organizing in the south, why unions were highlighted...
Phil Smith (UMWA) / Josh Nassar (UAW)
May 13, 2021 18:47 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBMine workers in Alabama are striking for a better contract that would provide them the fair wages and benefits they deserve. United Mine Workers of America Director of Governmental Affairs Phil Smith spoke about this and more, on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. Also featured on the podcast today was United Auto Workers Legislative Director Josh Nassar. He discussed the USMCA, the American Jobs Plan, President Biden’s build back better plan and labor reform.